VAQ-131

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Electronic Attack Squadron 131
VAQ-131 Emblem.svg
Active1 February 1946 - Present
(78 years, 7 months)
CountryFlag of the United States (23px).png  United States
BranchFlag of the United States Navy (official).svg  United States Navy
TypeElectronic Attack
Role Electronic Warfare
Part of USN Electronic Attack Wing Pacific insignia.gif Electronic Attack Wing Pacific
Garrison/HQ NAS Whidbey Island Emblem.svg NAS Whidbey Island
Nickname(s)Lancers
Motto(s)Tip of the Spear
Colors #2a2e60  #fac72d 
Mascot(s)Spartan
Engagements Iran hostage crisis
Multinational Force in Lebanon
Operation Urgent Fury
Operation Quick Force
Operation Restore Hope
Operation Southern Watch
Operation Unified Assistance
Operation Iraqi Freedom
Operation Enduring Freedom
Operation New Dawn
Operation Inherent Resolve
[1]
DecorationsProwler Squadron of the Year Award
[1]
Website https://www.airpac.navy.mil/Organization/Electronic-Attack-Squadron-VAQ-131/
Commanders
Commanding OfficerCDR. James C. Jordan
Executive OfficerCDR. Kyle D. Hanford
Command Master ChiefCMDCM. Andrew J. Jenkins
Insignia
Callsign SKYBOLT [2]
Modex 55X [3]
Tail Code NL
Aircraft flown
Bomber KA/A-3B Skywarrior (1956-1968)
Electronic
warfare
EKA-3B Skywarrior (1968-1971)
EA-6B Prowler(1971-2014)
EA-18G Growler(2014-Present)
Patrol P2V Neptune (1946-1956)
[1]

Electronic Attack Squadron 131 (VAQ-131), also known as the "Lancers," is a United States Navy tactical jet aircraft squadron specializing in kinetic and non-kinetic Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD). They are based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, flying the EA-18G Growler. [4] Their radio callsign is "Pilum."

Contents

History

VAH-4 KA-3B in 1967 KA-3B VAH-4 CVA-19 1967.jpeg
VAH-4 KA-3B in 1967


VP-931

VAQ-131 was originally established as Patrol Squadron 931 (VP-931). From 1946 through 1955, VP-931 flew the P2V Neptune.

VAH-4

In 1956, the squadron transitioned to the A-3 Skywarrior and was redesignated as Heavy Attack Squadron 4 (VAH-4).

During the Vietnam War detachments from VAH-4 were deployed on the following aircraft carriers operating on Yankee and Dixie Stations: [5]

In addition to the carrier deployments, in 1966 a detachment of KA-3Bs was also sent to operate from NAS Cubi Point and Da Nang Air Base. [7]

VAQ-131

VAQ-131 EA-6B prepares to launch from USS Ronald Reagan in 2013 A U.S. Navy EA-6B Prowler aircraft assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 131 prepares to launch from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) Nov. 6, 2013, while underway in 131106-N-UK306-015.jpg
VAQ-131 EA-6B prepares to launch from USS Ronald Reagan in 2013
VAQ-131 EA-18G Growler launching from USS George H.W. Bush in 2017 170606-N-YL257-107 (35098389996).jpg
VAQ-131 EA-18G Growler launching from USS George H.W. Bush in 2017

In November 1968, VAH-4 received the EKA-3 version of the Skywarrior and was redesignated as Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 131 (VAQ-131). In 1971, they became the second squadron in the U.S. Navy to receive the Standard version of the EA-6B Prowler. The squadron transitioned to the Expanded Capability (EXCAP) version of the Prowler in 1976, to the Improved Capablility (ICAP) Prowler in 1978, and to the ICAP II Prowler in 1984. [8] In May 2014, they transitioned to the Boeing EA-18G Growler, which they currently operate. The EA-18G expanded the squadron's capabilities to enable more effective prosecution of radar and Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) sites in an Integrated Air Defense System (IADS), both through air-to-ground weapon employment and precision electronic attack, the latter being the Growler's niche capability. The EA-18G is also a capable air-to-air combat platform.

Home port assignments

The squadron was assigned to these home ports:

Aircraft assignment

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Grumman EA-6B Prowler</span> American carrier-based electronic warfare aircraft

The Northrop GrummanEA-6B Prowler is a twin-engine, four-seat, mid-wing electronic-warfare aircraft derived from the A-6 Intruder airframe. The EA-6A was the initial electronic warfare version of the A-6 used by the United States Marine Corps and United States Navy; it was used during the Vietnam War. Development on the more advanced EA-6B began in 1966. An EA-6B aircrew consisted of one pilot and three Electronic Countermeasures Officers, though it was not uncommon for only two ECMOs to be used on missions. It was capable of carrying and firing anti-radiation missiles (ARMs), such as the AGM-88 HARM.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Douglas A-3 Skywarrior</span> Carrier-based multirole aircraft family

The Douglas A-3 Skywarrior is a jet-powered strategic bomber that was developed and produced by the Douglas Aircraft Company. It was designed by Douglas on behalf of the United States Navy, which sought a carrier-capable strategic bomber. In July 1949, Douglas was awarded the contract to produce its design, having bested eight other aircraft companies' submissions. Unlike rival designs, which had aimed for a 100,000 lb (45,000 kg) maximum take-off weight, the Skywarrior was developed for a 68,000 lb (31,000 kg) take-off weight, facilitating its use from the navy's existing Midway-class aircraft carriers. Large portions of the aircraft were produced by the Westinghouse Electric Corporation, including its early Westinghouse J40 turbojet engines, which failed to meet promises and were replaced by the rival Pratt & Whitney J57 engine by mid-1953. On 28 October 1952, the prototype XA3D-1 performed the type's maiden flight.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">VAQ-129</span> Military unit

Electronic Attack Squadron 129 (VAQ-129) is the United States Navy's only EA-18G Growler training squadron. Known as the "Vikings", they are a Fleet Replacement Squadron, or FRS, and are charged with training all EA-18G aviators and developing standard operating procedures for the maintenance and operation of the aircraft. The squadron is permanently stationed at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, in Puget Sound, Washington.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">VAQ-135</span> Military unit

Electronic Attack Squadron 135 (VAQ-135), known as the "Black Ravens", is a United States Navy electronic attack squadron that currently operates the EA-18G Growler carrier-based electronic warfare jet aircraft. The squadron is permanently stationed at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island with a radio callsign of "Thunder".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">VAQ-140</span> Military unit

Electromagnetic Attack Squadron ONE FOUR ZERO (VAQ-140) is a US Navy electromagnetic attack squadron. Known as the "Patriots", the squadron operates the EA-18G Growler. The squadron is home ported at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington. They are attached to Carrier Air Wing Seven, and deploy aboard USS George H W Bush. The squadron's radio callsign is "Talon" and are formally recognized as America's Squadron. Their aircrew commonly reference the rallying cry of "Glizzy Roll" in honor of their traditional ready room hot dog roller. Their mascot is their newest aircrew dressing as Evel Knievel.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">VAQ-137</span> United States Navy squadron

Electromagnetic Attack Squadron 137 (VAQ-137) also known as the "Rooks", is a United States Navy electromagnetic attack squadron based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island Washington, flying the Boeing EA-18G Growler. The squadron is attached to Carrier Air Wing 11 (CVW-11), which is currently assigned to USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71). Their radio callsign is "Rook" and their tailcode is "NH" of CVW-11.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">VAQ-136</span> Military unit

Electronic Attack Squadron 136 (VAQ-136) "Gauntlets" is a United States Navy Electronic attack squadron flying the EA-18G Growler and is currently attached to Carrier Air Wing Two, deploy aboard the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson a composite unit made up of a wide array of aircraft performing a variety of combat and support missions including F2T2EA. The squadron is currently stationed at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Carrier air wing</span> Group of aircraft units operating from an aircraft carrier

A carrier air wing is an operational naval aviation organization composed of several aircraft squadrons and detachments of various types of fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. Organized, equipped and trained to conduct modern US Navy carrier air operations while embarked aboard aircraft carriers, the various squadrons in an air wing have different but complementary missions, and provide most of the striking power and electronic warfare capabilities of a carrier battle group (CVBG). While the CVBG term is still used by other nations, the CVBG in US parlance is now known as a carrier strike group (CSG).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Carrier Air Wing Nine</span> Military unit

Carrier Air Wing Nine (CVW-9) is a United States Navy aircraft carrier air wing based at Naval Air Station Lemoore. The Air Wing is currently assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72). The Tail Code of aircraft assigned to CVW-9 is NG.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">VAQ-142</span> Military unit

Electromagnetic Attack Squadron 142 (VAQ-142), also known as "The Gray Wolves", is an EA-18G Growler squadron of the United States Navy stationed at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Oak Harbor, Washington. Their tailcode is AJ and their ATC callsign is "GRIM".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">VAQ-139</span> Military unit

Electromagnetic Attack Squadron 139 (VAQ-139), also known as the "Cougars", is an EA-18G Growler squadron of the United States Navy. They specialize in electromagnetic attack and are currently stationed at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington. Part of Carrier Air Wing Seventeen, the Cougars deploy aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz

<span class="mw-page-title-main">VAQ-209</span> Military unit

Electronic Attack Squadron 209 (VAQ-209) is a United States Navy Reserve electromagnetic attack squadron. Known as the "Star Warriors", the squadron flies the EA-18G Growler carrier-based electronic warfare jet aircraft. It is assigned to the Tactical Support Wing and based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington. Its mission is: "To safely train to attain and maintain mobilization readiness for immediate employment in event of war or national emergency." The squadron's radio callsign is "Vader".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">VAQ-130</span> Military unit

Electronic Attack Squadron 130 (VAQ-130), also known as the "Zappers", is an EA-18G Growler squadron of the United States Navy based aboard Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. Part of Carrier Air Wing 3, the Zappers deploy aboard the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. VAQ-130 is the oldest electronic warfare squadron in the U.S. Navy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">VAQ-133</span> Military unit

Electromagnetic Attack Squadron 133 (VAQ-133) is an EA-18G Growler squadron of the United States Navy based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington. Beginning in 2013, the squadron began the transition from the EA-6B to the EA-18G. Upon completion of the transition in spring of 2014, they returned to their attachment to Carrier Air Wing Nine. The squadron's nickname is "Wizards" and its radio callsign is "Magic".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">VAQ-132</span> Military unit

Electromagnetic Attack Squadron 132 (VAQ-132), the "Scorpions", is a United States Navy aircraft squadron based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, flying the EA-18G Growler. The squadron's radio callsign is "Scorp".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">VAQ-134</span> Military unit

Electronic Attack Squadron 134 (VAQ-134) is an electromagnetic warfare squadron of the United States Navy. It is nicknamed "Garudas" and is based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington. The squadron is currently equipped with the Boeing EA-18G Growler.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">VAQ-141</span> Military unit

Electromagnetic Attack Squadron 141 (VAQ-141), also known as the "Shadowhawks", is an EA-18G Growler squadron of the United States Navy that is based at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, located in Iwakuni, Yamaguchi, Japan. VAQ-141 falls under the cognizance of Commander, Electromagnetic Attack Wing Pacific (COMVAQWINGPAC) and flies in support of Carrier Air Wing 5 (CVW-5) aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">VAQ-138</span> Military unit

Electronic Attack Squadron 138 (VAQ-138), also known as the "Yellow Jackets", is an expeditionary EA-18G Growler squadron of the United States Navy based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">VAH-8</span> Military unit

VAH-8, was a Heavy Attack Squadron of the U.S. Navy, based at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington. It was established on 1 May 1957 and disestablished on 17 January 1968. The squadron primarily flew the Douglas A-3 Skywarrior aircraft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">RVAH-11</span> Military unit

RVAH-11 was a Reconnaissance Attack (Heavy) Squadron of the U.S. Navy. Originally established as Composite Squadron Eight (VC-8) on 3 December 1951, it was redesignated Heavy Attack Squadron Eleven (VAH-11) on 1 November 1955 and was redesignated as Reconnaissance Attack (Heavy) Squadron Eleven (RVAH-11) on 1 July 1966. The squadron was disestablished on 1 June 1975.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "History". www.airpac.navy.mil. Retrieved 1 May 2023.
  2. "Military Radio Callsign List". henney.com. Retrieved 1 May 2023.
  3. "Milcom Monitoring Post: USN Aircraft Modex Numbers". Milcom Monitoring Post. Retrieved 23 June 2023.
  4. Tactical Electronics Warfare Squadrons
  5. "Carrier, Carrier Based Squadrons and Non-Carrier Based Squadron Deployments to Vietnam" (PDF). Washington, D.C.: Naval Historical Center, Department of the Navy. 1995. Retrieved 30 December 2015.
  6. "Statement concerning continuation of missing in action status" (PDF). 12 April 1967. Retrieved 19 October 2021.
  7. "A-3 Squadron History". A-3 Skywarrior Association. Retrieved 30 December 2015.
  8. VAQ-131 official website

See also